KUCHING – The Sarawakiana Festival 2025 has reinforced efforts to safeguard and document Sarawak’s heritage of knowledge, culture, and belief, recognising them as intellectual treasures that define identity and dignity across generations.
Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak State Library, Japri Bujang Masli, described heritage as a living system that continues to shape community values, social practices, and ways of life.
His remarks, delivered by Deputy CEO (Operations) Wan Mazli Wan Razali during the adjournment ceremony of the 7th Sarawakiana Festival, emphasised the festival’s theme: Heritage of Knowledge, Culture and Belief.
“This heritage of knowledge, culture and belief functions as the core of the formation of identity, historical continuity and social stability of the community, in addition to being a source of moral reference and the basis for creativity and cultural innovation,” he said.
Japri noted that heritage today holds strategic importance in education, research, cultural tourism, and biodiversity conservation, aligning with sustainable development principles. However, he cautioned that globalisation, lifestyle changes, and cultural dominance could disrupt continuity if not addressed through structured planning.
He also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in heritage preservation. While AI offers opportunities to digitise collections and expand access, he warned that ethical management is essential to prevent risks to authenticity and identity.
“AI can speed up documentation and expand access to cultural information, but at the same time can threaten the authenticity and identity of traditions if not managed carefully,” he explained.
The festival featured a wide range of activities, including the Sarawakiana Forum, cultural talks, a Bidayuh dance workshop, a Ngepan Batang Rajang workshop, a Kelembit carving session, folklore storytelling, and a hadrah competition. The events drew strong participation from the local community.
In the hadrah competition, the Hadrah Nurfatihah Kampung Kudei Baru Group won Best Performance and received RM3,000. The Gabungan Seni Warisan Hadrah Group secured Best Costume, while the Hadrah Gemar Bakti Group was named People’s Choice.
The closing ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Datuk Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen, Chairman of the Sarawak State Library Management Board, Deputy Chairman Datu Dr Rashidah Bolhassan, and board member Ir. Dato Lo Khere Chiang, alongside other distinguished guests.
The Sarawakiana Festival continues to serve as a vital platform for cultural preservation, ensuring that Sarawak’s traditions remain relevant and resilient in the face of modern challenges.
